BMA reveals plans for Saphan Taksin BTS Station closure

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to spend THB670 million to close down Saphan Taksin BTS Station and replace it with a walkway to Surasak Station.

The plan comes at a time when the BMA and the governor face a backlash for their decision to award a THB190 billion to BTSC.

The BMA says it is closing the station to ease the bottleneck over the Chao Phraya River.

The Bangkok Council has already approved a budget of more than THB670 million for installing an additional track on the area occupied by the Saphan Taksin Station, as well as constructing a 700m Skywalk and moving walkway connecting Surasak Station and the river pier.

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra believes the walkway is a convenient alternative to an actual Skytrain station, according to The Nation.

"We will ensure that commuters continue to enjoy convenience. With the Skywalk and moving walkways, it will only take them five minutes to get from the Saphan Taksin Station to Surasak Station," he said.